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Stacy Christiansen and Connie Manno

Clear display of data or information is the most important aspect of any figure. For figures that display quantitative information, data values may be represented by dots, lines, curves, area, length, or shading based on the type of graph used.
The horizontal scale (x-axis) and the vertical scale (y-axis) indicate the values of the data plotted in a graph. In most graphs, values increase from left to right (on the x-axis) and from bottom to top (on the y-axis). Rarely, a third scale (secondary y-axis) may be relevant, also with values increasing from bottom ...

Stacy Christiansen and Connie Manno

For photographs or videos in which an individual can be identified (by himself/herself or others), the author should obtain and submit a signed statement from the identifiable person that grants permission to publish the photograph. Previously used measures to attempt to conceal the identity of an individual in a photograph, such as placing black bars over the person’s eyes, are not effective and should not be used (...

Stacy Christiansen and Connie Manno

Flowcharts show the sequence of activities, processes, events, operations, or organization of a complex procedure or an interrelated system of components and sometimes function as visual summaries of a study. Flowcharts are useful to depict study protocol or interventions, to demonstrate participant recruitment and follow-up such as in a randomized clinical trial (CONSORT [Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials])...

Stacy Christiansen and Connie Manno

It is preferable to use original figures rather than those already published. When use of a previously published illustration, photograph, or other figure is necessary, written permission to reproduce it must be obtained from the copyright holder (usually the publisher). The original source should be acknowledged in the legend. If the original source in which the illustration has been published is included in the reference list, the reference may be cited in the legend, with the citation number for the reference corresponding to its first appearance in the text, tables, or figures (...

Stacy Christiansen and Connie Manno

The term figure refers to any graphical display used to present information or data,4 including statistical graphs, maps, matrixes, algorithms, illustrations, digital images, photographs, and other clinical images. Figures may be used to clarify or explain methods, to present evidence and quantitative results, to highlight trends and associations or relationships among data, to clarify complex concepts, or to illustrate items or procedures. Figures should be accurate, clear, and concise. As with tables, the figure with its title and legend should be understandable without undue reference to the text....

Stacy Christiansen and Connie Manno

The preferred format for submitting figures varies among scientific journals. Authors who submit figures with a scientific manuscript should consult the instructions for authors of the publication for specific requirements. For example, many journals require all files to be submitted through a web-based submission system. The JAMA Network journals provide detailed instructions to authors that cover, for example, image integrity, acceptable file formats, titles and legends, and labeling included within the figure (...

Stacy Christiansen and Connie Manno

Illustrations may explain physiologic mechanisms, describe clinical maneuvers and surgical techniques, and provide orientation to medical imaging. Complex interactions often are easier to convey and understand in an illustration than in text or tables (Figure 4.2-30).
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Stacy Christiansen and Connie Manno

Some journals allow supporting multimedia to accompany an article for online-only publication, such as video, audio, or interactive files. For example, the JAMA Network journals include such content when it is important to readers’ understanding of a report, to illustrate a point made or demonstrate a process described in an article, to aid in learning, or to provide a useful summary in another format. Detailed guidelines on acceptable video and audio file formats, optimal video quality, and filming and copyright considerations are provided in online instructions for authors....

Stacy Christiansen and Connie Manno

Photographs and other images in biomedical articles are used to display clinical findings, experimental results, or clinical procedures. Such figures include radiographs (Figure 4.2-31) and those from other types of medical imaging (Figure 4.2-32 and Figure 4.2-33), photomicrographs (Figure 4.2-34...

Stacy Christiansen and Connie Manno

In print/PDF versions of articles, figures should be placed as close as possible to their first mention in the text. Figures should be cited in consecutive numerical order in the text, and references to figures should include their respective numbers. For example:
Patient participation and progress through the study are shown in Figure 1....

Stacy Christiansen and Connie Manno

Line graphs have 2 or 3 axes with continuous scales on which data points connected by curves show the association or relationship between 2 or more variables, such as changes over time. In general, line graphs are not ideal for displaying values where connection between points would imply continuity that may not be in evidence....

Stacy Christiansen and Connie Manno

Many journals, including the JAMA Network journals, use separate titles and legends (also known as captions) to describe and clarify figures. Others combine the title and legend underneath the figure.
The figure title follows the designation “Figure” numbered consecutively (ie, Figure 1, Figure 2) and does not appear in the figure itself. Articles that contain a single figure use the designator “Figure” (not “Figure 1”). The title is a succinct clause or phrase (perhaps 10-15 words) that identifies the specific topic of the figure or describes what the data show. In the JAMA Network journals, each major word in a figure title is capitalized and follows the same rules as for article titles (...